Congress veteran and former Lok Sabha speaker Balram Jakhar passes away

New Delhi: Former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader Balram Jakhar died in New Delhi on Wednesday morning.

Dr Jakkhar passed away around 7 am at his residence in Delhi, according to reports.

His body is being taken to Abohar in Punjab for cremation which be held tomorrow, his son and former Congress Legislature Party leader of Punjab Sunil Jakhar was quoted as saying.

Balram Jakhar is survived by two sons and two daughters.

The cremation will be held in the family village of Panchkosi in Abohar at 11 am.

The former Lok Sabha Speaker was ailing for over a year following a brain stroke. He suffered respiratory arrest last month, according to his son.